Modular, open-source Focal Camera lets you design your own SLR
Focal Camera is an open source project designed to teach participants about the inner workings of a camera. You can fire up your laser cutter (or visit your local maker space), round up a supply of 3mm plywood or other material and follow the provided instructions to create the various modules that will make up a working camera. The modules are designed to interlock and connect to a cube-shaped base, so users can choose the pieces they want (guillotine shutter? optical viewfinder?) and arrange them into the Frankenstien's monster of a camera they've always dreamed of owning.
Mathijs van Oosterhoudt is the mastermind behind Focal Camera, which started as a workshop exercise. He put his project online hoping to educate more people about cameras by helping them building their own. The open source nature of the project also means anyone can contribute new module designs, as well as test and improve his existing designs. It's similar to the Lux project we saw not too long ago, which used 3D printed and Arduino-based electrical components.
Visit Focal Camera for directions and downloads to get started on your own camera. Would you like to try your hand at a project like this? Let us know in the comments.
|
|
|
|
|
Jun 5, 2018
|
Apr 24, 2018
|
Dec 20, 2017
|
Nov 27, 2017
|
Wacom's latest pro tablet can help take your editing workflow – and most importantly, the final image results – to the next level.
Many cameras today include built-in image stabilization systems, but when it comes to video that's still no substitute for a proper camera stabilization rig. The Ronin-S aims to solve that problem for DSLR and mirrorless camera users, and we think DJI has delivered on that promise.
The SiOnyx Aurora is a compact camera designed to shoot stills and video in color under low light conditions, so we put it to the test under the northern lights and against a Nikon D5. It may not be a replacement for a DSLR, but it can complement one well for some uses.
At its core, the Scanza is an easy-to-use multi-format film scanner. It offers a quick and easy way to scan your film negatives and slides into JPEGs, but costs a lot more than similar products without a Kodak label.
Canon's EOS R, the company's first full-frame mirrorless camera, impresses us with its image quality and color rendition. But it also comes with quirky ergonomics, uninspiring video features and a number of other shortcomings. Read our full review to see how the EOS R stacks up in today's full-frame mirrorless market.
If you're looking for a high-quality camera, you don't need to spend a ton of cash, nor do you need to buy the latest and greatest new product on the market. In our latest buying guide we've selected some cameras that while they're a bit older, still offer a lot of bang for the buck.
A question frequently asked on the Internet is 'what's the best DSLR?' In this buying guide we've answered that question – but also whether it's the right question to be asking in the first place.
What's the best camera for under $500? These entry level cameras should be easy to use, offer good image quality and easily connect with a smartphone for sharing. In this buying guide we've rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing less than $500 and recommended the best.
Whether you've grown tired of what came with your DSLR, or want to start photographing different subjects, a new lens is probably in order. We've selected our favorite lenses for Sony mirrorlses cameras in several categories to make your decisions easier.
Whether you've grown tired of what came with your DSLR, or want to start photographing different subjects, a new lens is probably in order. We've selected our favorite lenses for Canon DSLRs in several categories to make your decisions easier.
Comments